Chapter 35: chapter 34

Sybil

I nervously looked around the tree. It's probably really late.

Cyrelas arrived, his presence commanding yet shrouded in an unsettling calmness.

“Cyrelas,” I breathed, my voice trembling as I approached him.“Have you silenced Lady Avengeline? Will she speak of us?”

Cyrelas' dark  eyes met mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing between us.

“Sybil, there is nothing to worry about,” he replied, his tone smooth as silk. Yet, the way he spoke sent a chill down my spine.“You must understand, the consequences of revealing our affair could be...dire.”

“Dire?” I echoed, my heart pounding.

“Cyrelas , did you—did you kill her?” I stammered, the very thought sending shivers down my spine.

He chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in the sound.“I would never stoop to such barbarism, Sybil. However, accidents can happen in our world.”

His gaze held mine, a predator assessing its prey. “You must remember the stakes we are playing for. Our love demands sacrifices.”

I recoiled, my mind racing. I had heard Cyrelas to be ruthless, but the notion that he could eliminate a threat so casually was a bitter pill to swallow.

“relax Sybil, I wouldn't do that to Ludo. But to answer your question I've handled it.  "

He says and I look at him nodding slowly.

"And...I would like for us to be away from each for a while. I think it's for the best."

"Syb-"

"No Cyrelas. I can't...how many more people are we going to silence. And you are to be married in a week or so..."

"Is this about Ludo?"

"No it's about us being safe . For now just be a soon to be husband to Ludovica. Be there , for dresses , cuisine or anything. "

"We're never going to work ,are we?"

I stay silent looking at him with knowing eyes.

"It's just... I can't be risking everything for my family ."

"Sybil..."

He got closer cupping my face.

"I am to be king . And you think there's a person out there who can tell me what to do. Sybil, can't you trust me. I'll make everything better for you , I can sent doctors for your mother if that's what you're worried about. I can give you everything and all  you have to do is just be here. Trust me, please Amour."

I sigh hugging him.

"You just know what to say , don't you."

"Except I mean it."

........

Lady Avengeline

Everyone had come to the palace to aid in the preparations.

However, my heart was heavy with a secret that threatened to unravel the joyous occasion.

The prince was to marry my dear friend, and yet here he was, entangled in a web of infidelity. With a whore who's supposedly   Ludo's friend. I've always known there was something fishy about her but Ludo just couldn't listen. And now I'm trapped.

Every moment, as I  assisted with the arrangements of the wedding, I found myself stealing glances at Prince Cyrelas, whose laughter echoed through the halls. I don't even know if his laughter is real.

Beneath my façade of calm, a storm brewed. I had considered confiding in Ludovica, but the words of warning that the prince had hissed at me during their last encounter rang in my ears.

“Speak of this, and you shall lose everything, your family, your title and if I even may your  friend. And you of all know better than try me Avengeline” he had threatened, his eyes dark like storm clouds. This is what everyone talked about him being ruthless when needed. He's never talked to me like that and now I see why the other ladies left the town after trying to even tell anyone about being with him.

With the queen and Ludovica's family bustling around, oblivious to the deception that lay beneath the surface, I felt a sense of isolation.

The gowns were exquisite, spun from the finest silk and embroidered with golden threads, but every stitch felt like a shackle on my conscience.

"Avengeline!"

I gasp as I realise I have been absent.

"Yes?"

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, I just need some air . I'll go around . "

I stand up before anyone can say a word.

I walk to the kitchen and I see the maids  cooking.

I look around and I spot her. She looks so innocent. She looks like such an angel but deep down she's ju-

"My Lady, how may we attend you?"

I turn to find that ginger friend of hers. Sybil turns around and she flinches realising it's me.

"I just want a talk with Sybil."

Everyone looks at her shocked . I leave through the back door and head to the garden.

"My Lady,"

She bows her head . I start walking as she's following me.

"I'm sure you know why I'm here."

"Yes."

"Why are you acting so coy all of a sudden."

"I need to go back ma'am. If that's all."

"What did Ludovica do to you? Be your friend?"

"I love Lady Ludovica. I admire her. "

I laugh shaking my head.

"Are you still seeing him?"

"Yes."

"He's getting married in a while. Not today but a while. Do you think when everyone finds out he's going to protect you? Because let me tell you the truth Sybil, people like him are snakes in the grass. And sometimes we see them but we don't do anything to them because they didn't do anything to us.

But let me tell you... he's the most selfish and power ridden man you'll ever meet in your life. But it's a pity that you're throwing your life away .

Sybil, I may hate you but I'm still a woman. So I'll only tell you this once , run from him.

Before it's too late and you end up with a lifeless body that your family will never get to see , because they're going to burn or bury you alive. He's not going to save you. And he's never going to throw away a kingdom over a poor whore. I'm warning you, stop it. If you even may go back home Sybil."

I turn to leave heading back to the palace. I know she might be happy now but she won't be the minute gets the title of a king . That is when he marries Ludovica.